Seacat family's connection to ESU and teaching celebrated

September 10, 2012

A family with roots in southwest Kansas and strong ties to Emporia State University will be honored as this year’s Hornet Heritage Family.

“From the early 1900s at Kansas State Normal to present-day Emporia State, the Seacat family has created a Hornet connection that deserves to be recognized,” said Tyler Curtis, executive director of alumni relations.

Five of S.H. and Donia Seacat’s seven children left the family farm near Bucklin and pursued their teaching careers with degrees from Kansas State Normal.

Seven second-generation Seacats earned Kansas State Teachers College degrees and spent a combined total of 160 years teaching in Kansas schools.

A third generation includes three Seacat family members who received degrees from KSTC and Emporia Kansas State College. The Seacat family also encompasses a fourth-generation Emporia State University graduate.

Over a period of 90 years, 16 family members have earned degrees from the institution and can account for a combined total of 300 years of teaching, most of which has taken place in Kansas schools.